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Monthly Archives: March 2014

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We were out walking with Boo in the LBJ Grasslands this weekend resulting in a very happy dog, as you can see from the pic.

Fringed Pucoon

Stopping in TADRA for a water break we saw Blake and Randy, friends from a previous post, riding out on JB and Mingo. Suzy and I both agreed that we have never seen the level of Full Moon Pond lower. Even though I can hear thunder in the distance as I type, I think rain will once again fall on the Red River, not us.

Living by The LBJ Grasslands offers many close encounters with a variety of animals. This afternoon I was happily surprised when our neighborhood red shouldered hawk landed on the tree outside my window at work. But I did feel like I was being sized up as a potential meal under her steady gaze.

On our walk in the park yesterday, we noticed the redbuds are popping out in Jackson Woods.

TADRA was full with participants from The Grasslands Trail Runon Saturday. The 50-mile race, marathon and half-marathon had people running, jogging and walking on most of the trails in the park. March can offer many different types of weather in North Texas. This year the run lucked out with cool, dry conditions, unlike years past when they have slogged through mud or over-heated in unseasonably warm temperatures.

Kim and Jennifer were going strong at mile 30 of their 50-mile run when we passed them on the White Trail a mile out of TADRA.

Also on the White Trail, a huge flock of cedar waxwings perched in the tops of the trees, dropping down a few at a time to share a drink with a lone robin who seemed oblivious to the chaos at the watering hole.

Away from the chaos of the race on the trails, father and son, Randy and Kevin riding Big Boy and April, enjoyed a ride along the shore of Cottonwood Lake.

Back at home I was surprised to see a red-shouldered hawk sitting on a fence post. She flew as I was getting my camera, flashing a blast of color against the dull winter grass.

A white wind flower pops out of the sparse grass to say that Spring has sprung. This early bloomer was not in my wildflower book, but thanks to Van Vines of Oklahoma Prairie Country I was able to identify it.

The eurasian collared dove is an import from Asia and Europe, but is quite striking. Check out Feeder Watch for more info.

Cottonwoods on Denton Creek have an outstanding contrast of white and black.

The Carolina chickadee moves fast through the trees searching for insects and spiders calling its name, chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Due to the chickadee’s speed, I made several exposures before coming up with the image. Hope you’re not tired of birds, there are few more in and around the LBJ Grasslands I hope to post. Stay tuned.

I have been spotting these Canada geese for awhile, not able to get close enough for a good image. They finally stuck around as I approached, allowing me to get this cool takeoff shot.

A male, ring-necked duck and his mate kept their distance safely on the other side of the pond, moving like synchronized swimmers countering my moves along the bank.

When the cedar waxwings show up, they come en masse. There must have been 20 of them high in the trees, hanging out in their own polite manner. While working in Dallas one winter, I watched a flock of waxwings feed for several days in a small tree full of berries. They stripped the tree of its fruit while making a mess of any car parked beneath. What seemed like a choice parking space sent many drivers to the car wash.

Looking to add to my avian photography collection, Boo and I set off for a walk in the park.

A red-bellied woodpecker in a cottonwood tree on our property who had been eluding me up until now became my first subject.

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Sneaking up on bluebird in a small tree, I waited for takeoff to get this shot.

The underbrush was rattling with sparrows flitting around too fast to focus on. This harris sparrow stopped long enough for a portrait.

I don’t know if these are ducks or geese. They came cruising over our heads with eyes on a nearby pond for a landing spot.

This photo is off a side trail going up to the scenic overlook at the south end of the Red Trail. It is a steep climb that requires a surefooted mount. There is an easier trail just after the Red/White split next to FS 904. It’s not on the map, but it will be soon.